Server is referred to as a specialized computer/hardware on
which the server software works and provides services to other computers or
clients. This article will shed light on different types of servers available
in the market.
A server has many functions, and these functions come in
different types to facilitate different uses.
Let’s take a look at what a server really is before
proceeding to the various types of network servers we have so as to gain a
better understanding of how this complex web of devices make the Internet
possible.
What is a Server?
A server is a system (software and compatible computer
hardware) that responds to requests across a computer network to provide, or
help to provide, various network services. A server provides various services,
which other machines or clients request, to perform specific tasks. Both the
server and its clients form what is called a client/server network, which
provides routing systems and centralized access to information, resources,
stored data, etc. At the most ground level, one can consider it as a technology
solution that serves files, data, print, fax resources and multiple computers.
The advanced version of servers, like Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2
enables the user to handle the accounts and passwords, allow or limit the
access to shared resources, automatically support the data and access the
business information remotely. For example, a file server is a server that
focuses on file management and is responsible for security, management and
availability of stored files. Similarly, a web server hosts websites and allows
users to access these websites. Clients mainly include computers, printers,
faxes or other devices that can be connected to the server. By using a server, one
can securely share files and resources like fax machines and printers. Hence,
with a server network, employees can access the Internet or company e-mail
simultaneously.
Types of Network Servers
- Server Platform: Server platform is the fundamental hardware or software for a system which acts as an engine that drives the server. It is often used synonymously with an operating system.
- Application Server: Also known as a type of middleware, it occupies a substantial amount of computing region between database servers and the end user, and is commonly used to connect the two.
- Audio/Video Server: It provides multimedia capabilities to websites by helping the user to broadcast streaming multimedia content.
- Chat Server: It serves the users to exchange data in an environment similar to Internet newsgroup which provides real-time discussion capabilities.
- Fax Server: It is one of the best options for organizations that seek minimum incoming and outgoing telephone resources, but require to fax actual documents.
- FTP Server: It works on one of the oldest of the Internet services, the file transfer protocol. It provides a secure file transfer between computers while ensuring file security and transfer control.
- Groupware Server: It is a software designed that enables the users to work together, irrespective of the location, through the Internet or a corporate intranet and to function together in a virtual atmosphere.
- IRC Server: It is an ideal option for those looking for real-time discussion capabilities. Internet Relay Chat comprises different network servers that enable the users to connect to each other through an IRC network.
- List Server: It provides a better way of managing mailing lists. The server can be either open interactive discussion for the people or a one-way list that provides announcements, newsletters or advertising.
- Mail Server: It transfers and stores mails over corporate networks through LANs, WANs and across the Internet.
- News Server: It serves as a distribution and delivery source for many public news groups, approachable over the USENET news network.
- Proxy Server: It acts as a mediator between a client program and an external server to filter requests, improve performance and share connections.
- Telnet Server: It enables the users to log on to a host computer and execute tasks as if they are working on a remote computer.
- Virtual Servers: A virtual server is just like a physical computer because it is committed to an individual customer's demands, can be individually booted and maintains privacy of a separate computer. Basically, the distance among shared and dedicated (hosting) servers is reduced providing freedom to other customers, at a less cost. Now, it has become omnipresent in the data center.
- Web Server: It provides static content to a web browser by loading a file from a disk and transferring it across the network to the user's web browser. This exchange is intermediated by the browser and the server, communicating using HTTP.
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